Human rights org.:Situation in Northern Gaza experiencing an “intensely violent campaign” that equates to genocide
A leading human rights organization has issued a warning, stating that the northern region of the Gaza Strip is currently experiencing "one of the most violent genocidal campaigns" under the Israeli government amidst ongoing conflict.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, headquartered in Geneva, issued a cautionary statement on Monday.
According to reports, occupying forces have maintained their incursion into significant areas of northern Gaza since last Saturday evening. This operation has been accompanied by airstrikes, the creation of fire belts, and artillery shelling, including the targeting of residential homes. These actions have led to numerous casualties, with dozens reported dead and injured.
Authorities have issued a stark warning regarding a looming humanitarian crisis, as the ongoing blockade on Jabalia Camp and its adjacent areas, including Tal al-Zaatar, al-Sikka, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahia, intensifies. The siege, now in its fourth consecutive day, extends to western parts up to Yafa Cemetery and al-Tawam Junction.
Preliminary reports indicate that five civilians, including a woman, a man, and his son, were reportedly executed by occupation forces while attempting to escape from Jabalia Camp. Witnesses claim the victims were carrying white flags at the time of the incident.
According to recent reports, the city of Jabalia, encompassing its refugee camp, along with the city of Beit Lahia, is experiencing an acute shortage of food supplies. This critical situation has emerged as a result of the authorities’ closure of border crossings and the cessation of limited aid and goods that previously reached these areas. Consequently, residents are facing severe scarcity.
The organization reported that government forces had imposed a siege on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia utilizing drones, while simultaneously launching numerous airstrikes in the vicinity and deploying smoke bombs at the hospital’s entrance. Additionally, the forces allegedly blocked the sole access route for ambulances transporting seriously injured patients to the Baptist Hospital.
The campaign was reportedly designed to systematically evacuate residents from northern Gaza, compelling them to relocate southward. This strategy intends to lead to the comprehensive devastation of northern regions, where over 85 percent of structures have already been demolished.
The Israeli military is reportedly attempting to establish northern Gaza as a military zone, despite lacking clear war-related objectives that might justify such actions, according to the organization.
A call has been issued urging the United Nations and the international community to take immediate action to protect tens of thousands of civilians in northern Gaza. The appeal highlights an urgent need to halt what has been described as ethnic cleansing and to put a stop to the genocide allegedly being carried out by occupying forces for the second consecutive year.
The hostilities are a continuation of the regime’s military campaign against the coastal region, which commenced on October 7, 2023. So far, the conflict has resulted in nearly 42,000 fatalities and left at least 97,590 individuals injured. The majority of the casualties are reported to be women and children.
